Apii Vaitau

We want our students to have a deep respect and understanding of this world from both a Cook Islands Maori and Non Cook Islands Maori perspective.Through deepening these connections, they will gain a stronger insight of themselves, their culture, where they fit into this world and how they can contribute and make changes to make a better place to live. We want them to understand the importance of their marae moana (ocean), tai roto (lagoon), toku aorangi (environment) and understand the challenges that these resources face.

Ei Turama

The sun rises from the eastern side of the island, where Vaitau Primary School is situated, forming the start of our journey in education and creating the beginnings of lifelong learning for our students

Our Mission

Lighting the way for lifelong learning.
We aim to provide a nurturing learning environment where all children are valued and provided with
opportunities to develop necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to be successful in life.

Our Values

Excellence - Tu meitaki tikai
Integrity - Tu tiama
Truthfulness - Tu tika
Unity - Okotaianga
Responsibility - Tu katau
Assertiveness - Tu emi-kore
Modesty - Akatietie kore
Acceptance - Tu oa’oa

Contribute to our Success

Vaitau School welcomes the ongoing support, sponsorship and donations to support school learning programmes.
Contact us now to find out how you can help our school

Resources

Quality school supplies and equipment

Parent Helpers

Provide much needed support for in class learners

Project Sponsors

Provide technical knowledge and resources for upcoming projects

Make a Donation

Our Tamariki

Snapshots of life at
Apii Vaitau

School Information

The learning programme at Vaitau School follows the Vaitau School Curriculum Scheme. This document has been designed to support the school in the planning and delivery of the Cook Islands Curriculum documents with appropriate curriculum coverage in all areas of learning. The Cook Islands Curriculum Framework, including the essential learning areas, skills (including literacy and numeracy), attitudes and values and the curriculum statements are what teachers use to deliver the curriculum.

About us

Our school is also known as Apii Vaitau with the word ‘Apii’ meaning ‘School’ in Cook Islands Maori.
Vaitau School is a Cook Islands Ministry of Education funded primary school located on the Pa Enua (outer) island of Aitutaki.
It is a small school situated on the south east side of the island. It roughly sits half way between the two villages of Vaipae (VAI) and Tautu (TAU). The first three letters from each village formulate our school name ‘VAITAU’.

Vaitau School offers free education for children aged 3 – 11 years. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) centre caters for children aged 3 - 4 years. The children then progress into Primary School with Year 1 – 6 classes.

Immersion Maori

To ensure that children are given a quality education in Maori language and culture, Vaitau School’s first language is Te Reo Aitutaki. In ECE, Year 1, 2 and 3 the language of instruction is Reo Maori. From Years 4 – 6 the language of instruction is in both Reo Maori and English.

Attendance

School Hours

7:45 School Opens – All Staff on Site
8:00 – 10:00 Instructional Time
10:00 – 10:10 Supervised Eating
10:10 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:00 Silent Reading
11:00 – 12:00 Instructional Time
12:00 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1: 45 Instructional Time
1:45 – 2:00 Clean Up and Dismissal

Dress Code

School Uniform All children are expected to wear the Vaitau School uniform with pride. As a rule, uniforms are worn by children when coming to and from school. All clothing should be named.

Boys White shirt with navy shorts
Girls White shirt with a royal blue skirt
Girls hair is to be in two plaited ponytails, tied with blue ribbon.

Kia Orana Day is held every Friday where children are encouraged to wear flower eis (garlands) and pareu wear (island print shirts, dresses or skirts). A change of clothing is expected for outside activities.

Footwear is of individual preference.

CONTACT US

Vaitau School
PO BOX 50
Aitutaki
Cook Islands
Phone (682) 31083
Email: principal@vaitau.edu.ck